Discussion Paper No. 26 of 2003 on Measuring and Analysis Agricultural Productivity in Kenya: a Review of Approaches

Abstract

Concern is rising about the performance of the agricultural sector in Kenya given that it is the backbone of the country’s economy. The issue of particular concern is the declining productivity that has been associated with increasing poverty, food shortages and poor rural livelihoods. Although there have been attempts to analyse agricultural productivity in Kenya, a cursory examination of the existing studies reveals quite varied approaches to the measurement and analysis of productivity. Variability in the analytical methods and data employed make it difficult for policy makers, the Government, NGOs and even donors to interpret, compare and evaluate the results of such studies. The objective of this paper is to review studies that have attempted to empirically measure and analyse agricultural productivity in Kenya. The focus of the survey is on the approaches that have been used and their relevance in policy formulation. The major conclusion of the study is that although there have been attempts to analyse agricultural productivity in Kenya, the approaches, the data used, as well as the scope have largely been inadequate. This has hampered policy formulation for the development of agricultural productivity. The paper therefore identifies research gaps and proposes new directions in the measurement and analysis of agricultural productivity in Kenya.